Collaborative adjustment of resources within a managed environment

ABSTRACT

A method for adjusting a resource within an area utilizing voting by users. The method includes a computer processor receiving a request from one or more of the users to adjust a resource. The method further includes generating a voting poll for the resource. The method further includes communicating the generated voting poll to a plurality of users, wherein the plurality of users includes the one or more users. The method further includes identifying valid responses to the communicated voting poll based on a first policy related to the resource. The method further includes determining a response to the voting poll, wherein the response is based, at least in part, on the first policy related to the resource and aggregated valid responses of the voting poll. The method further includes applying the determined response to the resource.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of resourcemanagement within a building, and more particularly to utilizingoccupant feedback to affect resource management within a building.

Modern buildings are often comprised of various zones (e.g., areas ofcontrol). The area of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) control zone can be different from the area of a lighting controlzone. A building controlled by a building automation system (BAS) isoften referred to as an “intelligent” building or a “smart” building. Ina smart building, sensors often replace individual control units, suchas pneumatic thermostats or other sensing/control units distributedwithin a zone. Sensors can be networked to a central BAS providing forreal-time monitoring and control of a plurality of control units asopposed to pneumatic sensors or other local sensing/control units. Anon-BAS HVAC system may have sensors within the ductwork and utilizedampers controlled by wall-mounted thermostats, which may be located ina main isle or an unoccupied office.

Energy related control policies for buildings, such as HVAC policies,lighting schedules, and set points are typically defined and imposed byfacility managers based on their own experience or an industry standard,such as comfort models described in an AHRAE (American Society ofHeating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) handbook. Forexample, environmental controls for a HVAC system primarily focus ontemperature, relative humidity, and airflow. Additional environmentalconsiderations within a HVAC system may include: filtration, odorregulation, ionization, disinfection, and energy recovery. Theenvironmental concerns of the occupants of one zone within a building orfacility can differ from other occupants in another zone. For example,the primary facility concerns for a data center area may be cooling andhumidity control (e.g., static electricity mitigation); the primaryfacility controls for a lab may include filtration, ionization, anddisinfection for the HVAC. Areas that have transitory occupants, forexample, a lobby or cafeteria may tolerate larger environmentalvariations.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present invention, there is a method,computer program product, and/or system for adjusting a resource withinan area utilizing voting by users. The method includes one or morecomputer processors receiving a request from one or more of the users toadjust a resource. The method further includes one or more computerprocessors generating a voting poll for the resource. The method furtherincludes one or more computer processors communicating the generatedvoting poll to a plurality of users, wherein the plurality of usersincludes the one or more users. The method further includes one or morecomputer processors identifying valid responses to the communicatedvoting poll based on a first policy related to the resource. The methodfurther includes one or more computer processors determining a responseto the voting poll, wherein the response is based at least in part onthe first policy related to the resource and aggregated valid responsesof the voting poll. The method further includes one or more computerprocessors applying the determined response to the resource.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a distributed computing environment, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a pollingmanagement program, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a pollingvalidation program, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components of a computer, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention recognize that occupants, who arethe end users of a building, typically have no opportunity to contributeto the definition of control policies or have limited means tocommunicate with facility managers or other occupants for their specificneeds or preferences. Some facility managers may operate the buildingbased on an aggressive energy conservation/cost control policy, whichmay have an adverse effect on the comfort of the occupants of thebuilding. Other facility managers may operate based on the comfort ofthe occupants, which may reduce the opportunities for energy savings. Insome circumstances, a facilities manager may respond to occupant comfortcomplaints from a vocal minority and over-react, adjusting a resource(e.g., HVAC, lighting, etc.) utilized by a plurality of occupants to acondition that may negatively affect a majority of the occupants.

Embodiments of the present invention provide occupants (e.g., users of ashared/utilized resource) a collaborative method to adjust the conditionof a shared/utilized resource. Embodiments of the present inventiongenerate polls that users (e.g., occupants) utilize to vote for changesto one or more utilized resources. In some embodiments, a poll for autilized resource is initiated by a system. In other embodiments, usersmay request that a poll be initiated. Once a minimum number of users(e.g., a number of users that qualify as a quorum of users) request thata poll be initiated, embodiments of the present invention generate oneor more polls for the utilized resources based on the requests of theusers.

Embodiments of the present invention also recognize that the amount ofan adjustment that is applied to a utilized resource should berestricted. Embodiments of the present invention utilize resourcepolicies to constrain the amount of adjustment that is automaticallyapplied to a utilized resource. Resource policies may be derived fromhistorical data, user feedback (e.g., polls), cost/energy/comfortconsiderations, and business needs. Embodiments of the present inventionalso permit a resource control administrator (e.g., facilities manager)to utilize the results of the utilized resource polls to determinewhether to override the adjustment setting of a resource policy for autilized resource. Further embodiments of the present invention caninterface with a smart building control system to obtain automatedresponses (e.g., overrides) as opposed to manual intervention from aresource control administrator.

Embodiments of the present invention incorporate the validation of theresponses (e.g., votes) of users to one or more generated utilizedresource polls. The validation criteria may be included in: a resourcepolicy, a policy of the facility (e.g., building), a policy of abusiness, and a voting duration associated with a poll. Some embodimentsof the present invention also recognize that users (e.g., occupants) maybe mobile and may utilize various computing devices (e.g., a desktopcomputer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, etc.) during a day and/or ajob. For example, a user may: utilize a table computer while at home tocheck the schedule for the day, respond to an information request via asmartphone while in transit to a workplace, utilize a desktop computerduring the day, and present a report in a conference room utilizing ashared device. Embodiments of the present invention may utilize varioustechnologies to locate a user. Some embodiments locate a user by thedevice that communicated the responses of the user to a poll. Otherembodiments seek to track the location of a user in real time. Thelocation of a user may determine whether one or more responses (e.g.,votes) from a user are valid or invalid. In an embodiment, the votes ofa user may transfer between the zones visited by the user. In anotherembodiment, a user is sent a new poll that is associated with the zonethat the user enters.

Additional embodiments of the present invention generate reports for oneor more utilized resources. In some embodiments, the utilized resourcereports may be depicted graphically, depicted within a spreadsheet,and/or included in a visual representation of the affected zones/area(e.g., overlaid on a floor plan). In an embodiment of the presentinvention, reports are accessible via a web server (e.g., intranet,Internet). In another embodiment, utilized resource reports arecustomized for the affected users and communicated to the affectedusers.

The descriptions of the various scenarios, instances, and examplesrelated to the present invention have been presented for purposes ofillustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to theembodiments disclosed.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe Figures. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustratingdistributed computing environment 100 in an embodiment, in accordancewith the present invention. An embodiment of distributed computingenvironment 100 includes server 102, user devices 120A-N, and resourcecontrol system 130, all interconnected over network 110. Manymodifications to the depicted environment may be made by those skilledin the art without departing from the scope of the invention as recitedby the claims.

Server 102, user devices 120A-N, and resource control system 130 may belaptop computers, tablet computers, netbook computers, personalcomputers (PC), desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDA),smart phones, wearable devices (e.g., digital eyeglasses, smart glasses,a smart watch), or any programmable computer systems known in the art.In certain embodiments, server 102, user devices 120A-N, and resourcecontrol system 130 represent computer systems utilizing clusteredcomputers and components (e.g., database server computers, applicationserver computers, etc.) that act as a single pool of seamless resourceswhen accessed through network 110, as is common in data centers and withcloud-computing applications. In general, server 102, user devices120A-N, and resource control system 130 are representative of anyprogrammable electronic device or combination of programmable electronicdevices capable of executing machine readable program instructions andcommunicating with user computers, such as user devices 120A-N, vianetwork 110. Server 102, user devices 120A-N, and resource controlsystem 130 may include components, as depicted and described in furtherdetail with respect to FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

Server 102 includes resource policy database 104, polling managementprogram 200, polling validation program 300, and various programs anddatabases (e.g., a website interface, geo-locating software, LANmonitoring utilities, an employee database, a historic facilityinformation database, a wireless hotspot database, etc.) (not shown). Insome embodiments, server 102 may be part of an integrated facilitymanagement system (e.g., security, environmental, safety, etc.) for anarea, one or more buildings, or a complex that includes resource controlsystem 130.

In one embodiment, resource policy database 104 contains databases andlog files that store policies, derived over time and/or set by one ormore resource control managers, for managing resources within an area,one or more buildings, or a complex of buildings. In one embodiment,resource policy database 104 may include resource policies that arehierarchically applied. For example, if a user is located beyond an areadefined within a resource policy, any responses by the user to theutilize resource poll can be treated as invalid. In another example, theamount of adjustment applied to a utilized resource may be constrainedby occurring on a non-workday as opposed to a workday. In anotherembodiment, a resource policy may be tiered. In an example, if greaterthan 75% of users vote for a temperature increase, the maximumtemperature increase is three degrees Fahrenheit (F). If 60% to 75% ofusers vote for a temperature increase, the maximum temperature increaseis two degrees Fahrenheit. However, if less than 60% of users vote for atemperature increase, no adjustment is made to the temperature.

In some embodiments, resource policies may be dynamically adjusted by: acost of a utility; weather conditions outside of the area, the building,or the complex of buildings; an occupancy rate; and the condition of autility (e.g., a brown-out, water conservation condition, etc.). Inother embodiments, resource policy database 104 may include resourcepolicies that trigger warnings or alternate responses. In one example,if 50% of users vote for a small adjustment to a utilized resource, and10% of users vote for the maximum adjustment for a utilized resource, aresource policy permits the small adjustment. In another example, if 90%of the users vote is for the maximum adjustment of a resource policy,then the resource control administrator for the utilized resource may benotified (e.g., warned). Subsequently, the resource controladministrator may permit the adjustment based on polling results,initiate another poll with a wider range for the resource adjustment,and/or investigate the reason for the results of the poll.

In one embodiment, server 102, user devices 120A-N, and resource controlsystem 130 communicate through network 110. Network 110 can be, forexample, a local area network (LAN), a telecommunications network, awireless local area network (WLAN), such as an intranet, a wide areanetwork (WAN), such as the Internet, or any combination of the previousand can include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. In general,network 110 can be any combination of connections and protocols thatwill support communications between server 102, user devices 120A-N, andresource control system 130, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. In another embodiment, network 110 operates locallyvia wired, wireless, or optical connections and can be any combinationof connections and protocols (e.g., near field communication (NFC),laser, infrared, etc.).

In some embodiments, polling validation program 300 utilizes network 110to determine the location of instances of user devices 120A-N utilizingLAN port addresses and/or a wireless-based positioning system (WPS). Thelocalization technique used for determining the position with wirelessaccess points is based on measuring the intensity of the received signal(received signal strength or RSS) and the method of “fingerprinting.”Typical parameters useful to geo-locate the wireless “hotspot” orwireless access point include the service set identifier (SSID) and themedia access control (MAC) address of the access point. The accuracydepends on the number of positions that have been entered into thelocation database (e.g., a facility database). The wireless hotspotdatabase is filled by correlating mobile device GPS location data withwireless hotspot MAC addresses. Other systems that may be utilized todetermine the locations for user devices 120A-N are indoor positioningsystems (not shown). An indoor positioning system (IPS) is a solution tolocate objects or people inside a building using radio waves, magneticfields, acoustic signals, or other sensory information collected bymobile devices.

User devices 120A-N include user interface (UI) 122 and various programs(not shown). Examples of programs that user devices 120A-N include are:a web browser, an e-mail client, a word processor, security software(e.g., a firewall program, an anti-virus program, an encryption program,etc.), an instant messaging (IM) application (app), and a communication(e.g., phone) application. The users of user devices 120A-N can interactwith the respective UI 122 for user devices 120A-N via a singulardevice, such as a touch screen (e.g., display) that performs both inputto a graphical user interface (GUI) and as an output device (e.g., adisplay) presenting a plurality of icons associated with softwareapplications or images depicting the executing software application.Optionally, a software application (e.g., a web browser) can generate UI122 operating within the GUIs of user devices 120A-N.

UI 122 accepts input from a plurality of input/output (I/O) devicesincluding, but not limited to, a tactile sensor interface (e.g., a touchscreen, a touchpad) or a natural user interface (e.g., voice controlunit, motion capture device, etc.). An I/O device interfacing with a UI122 may be connected to a user device 120 which may operate utilizingwired (e.g., USB port) or wireless network communications (e.g.,infrared, NFC, etc.). For example, an I/O device may be a peripheral,such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, and a click wheel thatprovides input from a user. A user may utilize UI 122 to view theresults of resource polls generated by polling management program 200. Auser may also utilize UI 122 to communicate resource polls and responseswith polling validation program 300.

In another embodiment, UI 122 provides a resource control administratoraccess to server 102 and resource control system 130 via a computingdevice (not shown) connected to network 110. A resource controladministrator may utilize UI 122 to initiate a utilized resource poll bypolling management program 200. A resource control administrator mayalso utilize UI 122 to override one or more resource policies utilizedby polling management program 200. In one scenario, a resource controladministrator utilizes UI 122 to access server 102 and/or resourcecontrol system 130 locally. In another scenario, a resource controladministrator utilizes UI 122 to access server 102 and/or resourcecontrol system 130 remotely.

Polling management program 200 generates polls for one or more utilizedresources within an area, one or more buildings, or a complex ofbuildings. Polling management program 200 utilizes polling validationprogram 300 to communicate the one or more polls to the user within thearea, the building, or the complex of buildings so that the users mayvote on modifications to the one or more utilized resources that areincluded in a poll. Polling management program 200 utilizes theresponses received from polling validation program 300 to determinewhether sufficient valid user input (e.g., votes, responses) is receivedto initiate a change to a utilized resource based on one or morepolicies for the utilized resource.

In some embodiments, polling management program 200 may generateresponses based on different utilized resource policies. In one example,polling management program 200 selects the utilized resource policybased on a period of time (e.g., summer, winter, over a holiday, amongshifts, etc.). In another example, polling management program 200selects the utilized resource policy based on a number of users in anarea. In other embodiments, polling management program 200 may receive autilized resource policy override from a resource control administrator.In addition, polling management program 200 generates one or morereports for the utilized resource polls. In one embodiment, the one ormore reports (e.g., documents, graphs, spreadsheets, etc.) may beaccessible to the users for user devices 120A-N via UI 122 (e.g., via alinked network drive). In another embodiment, the one or more reportsmay be accessible to the users for user devices 120A-N via a websitelink (e.g., intranet, Internet).

Polling validation program 300 communicates one or more utilizedresource polls generated by polling management program 200 to aplurality of users. In an embodiment, polling validation program 300communicates (e.g., via an e-mail, an office productivity function,etc.) the one or more utilized resource polls to users of a utilizedresource. In another embodiment, polling validation program 300communicates a uniform resource locator (URL) or a web-link to the usersof a utilized resource. In one example, polling validation program 300utilizes an instant messaging (IM) application to communicate a URLassociated with a poll to user devices 120E-M, which are identified assmartphones.

Polling validation program 300 also receives the responses of theutilized resource polls and validates the responses of users. In someembodiments, polling validation program 300 utilizes the determinedlocation of a user to validate the response of the user to a utilizedresource poll. In one scenario, polling validation program 300determines that a utilized resource policy dictates that a user be onpremises to generate a valid response to a utilized resource poll. Inanother scenario, polling validation program 300 determines that autilized resource policy dictates that a vote (i.e., a response) by auser is restricted to the area where the poll was submitted. A vote fora subsequent poll may be valid for an area where the user responds tothe subsequent poll. In other embodiments, polling validation program300 utilizes time to validate a response of a user. In an example,polling validation program 300 provides a countdown timer with autilized resource poll. Polling validation program 300 validatesresponses received prior to the countdown timer displaying zeroremaining time. In addition, polling validation program 300 communicatesthe validated results to polling management program 200.

Resource control system 130 utilizes information included in resourcepolicy database 104 to control one or more resources and/or functionswithin an area, one or more buildings, or a complex of buildings. Insome embodiments, resource control system 130 is an integrated facilitymanagement system (e.g., smart building system) for one or morebuildings, or a complex of buildings that monitors and manages multiplefunctions. For example, resource control system 130 may manage: security(e.g., access control, cyber-security, visual/camera monitoring, etc.),environmental (e.g., temperature, relative humidity (RH), airflow, watertemperature, etc.), safety (e.g., fire detection, hazardous materialrelease detection, etc.), etc.

In other embodiments, multiple instances of resource control system 130may exist, e.g., a different resource control system 130 for eachbuilding function. In an example, an instance of resource control system130 for a building may be the HVAC system. Another instance of resourcecontrol system 130 for the building may be a lighting/window controlsystem. In some scenarios, resource control system 130 is an automatedsystem the responds to commands from server 102 to modify resourceparameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, etc.). For example,resource control system 130 may be supervisory control and dataacquisition (SCADA) system. In other scenarios, resource control system130 is a programmable logic controller (PLC). A PLC may dictate thatadjustments to a utilized resource, by polling management program 200,are converted to a communication (e.g., signal, interface) utilized by aPLC. For example, the PLC of resource control system 130 utilizes analogsignals as opposed to digital signals. A digital-to-analog converter(DAC) may be needed to convert the information communicated from server102 to a signal that interfaces with resource control system 130.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting operational steps for polling managementprogram 200, a program for, generating polls in response to requestsfrom users to adjust one or more parameters of a utilized resource. Inaddition, polling management program 200 determines whether anadjustment is make to the shared and an amount of the adjustment, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In step 202, polling management program 200 optionally initiates autilized resource poll. In an embodiment, polling management program 200initiates a resource poll on a periodic basis. In one example, pollingmanagement program 200 initiates a resource poll at the beginning ofeach shift. In another example, polling management program 200 initiatesa resource poll when the external environment of one or more buildingsexperiences a significant change (e.g., a change in weather). In anotherembodiment, polling management program 200 initiates a utilized resourcepoll based on the actions of a resource control administrator. In oneexample, polling management program 200 receives an indication fromresource control system 130 that a manager submitted a prioritymaintenance request for a zone within a building. In another example,polling management program 200 receives an indication from a resourcecontrol manager that an area of a building (e.g., conference rooms) ispopulated with customers and that resource polls for these areas aregoverned by a subset of users.

In step 204, polling management program 200 receives a request for aquorum of users to initiate a utilized resource poll. In one embodiment,polling management program 200 initiates a utilized resource poll basedon a quorum dictated by a resource policy. In another embodiment,polling management program 200 initiates a utilized resource poll basedon a quorum dictated by a personnel (e.g., human resources) policy. Insome embodiments, polling management program 200 utilizes one or morecriteria (e.g., government regulations, safety regulations and policies,business policies, etc.) to determine the number of user that qualify asa quorum of users. In other embodiments, polling management program 200determines the number of users that form a quorum based on one or morerequirements of an area served by a utilized resource. In one scenario,polling management program 200 may determine that a quorum of users istwo for a raised floor computing cluster area as opposed to fifteen fora manufacturing area. In another scenario, polling management program200 may utilize one or more criteria to determine the number of userthat qualify as a quorum of users. In an example, polling managementprogram 200 utilizes the location of users to determine which users arecounted toward the number of users for a quorum.

In step 206, polling management program 200 generates a utilizedresource poll. Polling management program 200 may generate a poll thatincludes multiple resources or factors. For example, an HVAC resourcemay include the factors of temperature, humidity, and airflow. Based onthe granularity of resource control system 130, polling managementprogram 200 may create multiple polls to distribute (e.g., communicate)to different groups of users (e.g., employees of different floors). Insome embodiments, polling management program 200 may include more thanone utilized resource in a poll. In other embodiments, pollingmanagement program 200 may generate customized utilized resource polls.In some scenarios, polling management program 200 generates a customizedutilized resource poll based on the affected area. In other scenarios,polling management program 200 generates a customized utilized resourcepoll based on the affected users.

In one embodiment, polling management program 200 generates a poll thatincludes qualitative factors (e.g., no change, slightly warmer, somewhatwarmer, warmer, somewhat cooler, etc.). In another embodiment, pollingmanagement program 200 generates a utilized resource poll (e.g.,choices) comprised of quantitative factors (e.g., +1 degree F., 45% RH,30 cubic feet per minute (CFM), etc.). In one scenario, pollingmanagement program 200 generates a poll utilizing discreet increments(e.g., −5%, 0%, +5%, +10%) for a utilized resource. Polling managementprogram 200 may utilize radio buttons, check boxes, or input areas for auser to vote (e.g. choose) for an adjustment to a utilized resource. Inanother scenario, polling management program 200 may utilize acontinuous variable (e.g., a slide bar) for a user to vote for anadjustment to a utilized resource. Polling management program 200 mayinclude a numeric value near the slide bar indicating the depictedadjustment amount for a utilized resource vote or the actual value forthe utilized resource vote.

In step 208, polling management program 200 communicates with pollingvalidation program 300. Polling management program 200 communicates oneor more generated utilized resource polls to polling validation program300. In some embodiments, polling management program 200 specifies whichusers and/or areas are associated with a utilized resource poll topolling validation program 300. In other embodiments, polling managementprogram 200 may also dictate a duration for a poll (e.g., a validresponse/voting time).

Subsequently, polling management program 200 receives the validatedresults of one or more utilized resource polls from polling validationprogram 300. In some embodiments, polling management program 200receives the valid results for one or more utilized resource polls votedon (e.g., responded to) by users from polling validation program 300. Inother embodiments, polling management program 200 receives the resultsof one or more utilized resource polls from polling validation program300 from the users that responded to the one or more utilized resourcepolls.

In step 210, polling management program 200 analyses the validatedresults of a utilized resource poll and determines a response based on apolicy for a utilized resource. Polling management program 200 utilizesvarious mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze the validatedresults of a utilized resource poll. For example, polling managementprogram 200 may utilize: minimum value, maximum value, average value,weighted average, median value, cumulative average, quartile, discretedistribution (e.g., percentages of users), a simple majority of users, afractional majority of users, etc. In some embodiments, pollingmanagement program 200 analyzes the responses (e.g., votes) identifiedby polling validation program 300 as valid responses. In otherembodiments, polling management program 200 includes affected users thatdid not respond or generate valid responses in the analysis of autilized resource poll. In an embodiment, polling management program 200analyzes the validated results independent of a resource policy. Afterthe analysis of the validated results, polling management program 200utilizes criteria from a resource policy for a utilized resource anddetermines a response (e.g., action, no action, amount of adjustment toa utilized resource, etc.).

In another embodiment, polling management program 200 includes criteriafrom a resource policy in the analysis of the validated results of autilized resource poll. In one example, polling management program 200compares a distribution of votes for a utilized resource adjustment toone or more resource policy criteria. A first policy criterion mayinclude the minimum number or percentage of users to affect a change. Inone example, polling management program 200 determines that a firstpolicy criterion dictates that 50% of valid responses vote for ahumidity change. A second criterion may dictate the maximum adjustment(e.g., +/−3% RH) that may be made to the current state (e.g., RH %), anda third criterion may dictate a range for the RH % (e.g., 40% RH-55% RH)without an override from a resource control manager. Polling managementprogram 200 utilizes the results of analysis to determine a response tothe validated poll for a utilized resource. Polling management program200 can store the results of utilized resource polls for futureanalysis. The future analysis of polling data can be utilized to updateone or more utilized resource policies. In a further embodiment, pollingmanagement program 200 can combine one or more aforementioned techniquesand resource policy criteria to analyze and process the validatedresults of a utilized resource poll.

In decision step 212, polling management program 200 determines whetherthe analyzed results of a poll meet a resource policy for a utilizedresource. In one embodiment, polling management program 200 separatelyprocesses the results based on the resource policies of each utilizedresource when two or more utilized resources are voted on within a poll.In another embodiment, polling management program 200 may determine thatthe results of a poll do not meet a resource policy if the resultsindicate that a warning trigger and/or an alternate response for aresource policy occur.

In decision step 212, responsive to determining that polling results donot meet a resource policy for a utilized resource (no branch, decisionstep 212), polling management program 200 optionally notifies a resourcecontrol administrator for a utilized resource (step 214). In someembodiments, if a resource control administrator is not subsequentlynotified, then polling management program 200 proceeds to decision step216.

In step 214, polling management program 200 optionally notifies aresource control administrator. Polling management program 200 maynotify a resource control administrator for a utilized resource when theresults of a poll do not meet one or more thresholds and/or dictates ofa resource policy. In one embodiment, polling management program 200 maynotify a resource control administrator when an adjustment, based onpoll results, exceeds the results of a warning threshold included in aresource policy. In an example, 95% of users vote for a three degreeFahrenheit (F) change in temperature for an area, signifying discomfortto a majority of users. In another embodiment, polling managementprogram 200 notifies a resource control administrator when the pollingresults are related to a poll initiated by the resource controladministrator.

In decision step 216, polling management program 200 determines whethera resource control administrator overrides a resource policy. In someembodiments, polling management program 200 does not receive an overrideindication and override adjustment (e.g., value) for a utilized resourcefrom a resource control administrator. In other embodiments, pollingmanagement program 200 receives an override indication and overrideadjustment (e.g., value) for a utilized resource. In one scenario,polling management program 200 may receive an override indication andoverride adjustment for a utilized resource from a resource controladministrator. In another scenario, polling management program 200 mayreceive an override indication and override adjustment for a utilizedresource from an automated system (e.g., smart build control system). Inan embodiment, if a resource control administrator is not notified (step214), then polling management program 200 may utilize the no branch ofdecision step 216 and generates a resource report (step 220).

In decision step 216, responsive to determining that an administratoroverrides a resource policy (yes branch, decision step 216), pollingmanagement program 200 adjusts a utilized resource (step 218).

Referring to decision step 212, responsive to determining that pollingresults meet a resource policy (yes branch, decision step 212), pollingmanagement program 200 adjusts a utilized resource (step 218).

In step 218, polling management program 200 adjusts a utilized resource.In one embodiment, polling management program 200 adjusts a utilizedresource based on the response (e.g., adjustment) from the analysis ofthe validated results of a utilized resource poll that met a resourcepolicy. In another embodiment, polling management program 200 adjusts autilized resource based on an override of a resource controladministrator. In one scenario, polling management program 200 adjusts autilized resource based on the response (e.g., adjustment) from theanalysis of the validated results of a utilized resource poll that didnot meet a resource policy. In another scenario, polling managementprogram 200 adjusts a utilized resource based on information (e.g.,values) obtained from the resource control administrator.

Referring to decision step 216, responsive to determining that anadministrator does not override a resource policy (no branch, decisionstep 216), polling management program 200 generates a resource report(step 220).

In step 220, polling management program 200 generates a resource report.The resource report may include multiple resources utilized within anarea (e.g., complex, building, floor, etc.). A resource report mayinclude varying degrees of granularity. For example, a resource reportmay incorporate sensor readings that appear when a user hovers a mousepointer over a location on a floor plan. In one embodiment, pollingmanagement program 200 communicates a resource report to a plurality ofusers. In one scenario, polling management program 200 communicates autilized resource report to the users that responded to a utilizedresource poll. In another scenario, polling management program 200communicates a utilized resource report to a user based on the locationof user within an area (e.g., a building, a floor, a control zone,etc.). In another embodiment, polling management program 200 posts aresource report to a computing system (not shown) accessible by aplurality of users. In one example, polling management program 200 mayutilize a website or a social media site. In another example, pollingmanagement program 200 generates a report as a time-varying spreadsheet.In some embodiments, polling management program 200 includes a method(e.g., button, comment box, hot-linked URL, etc.) to comment on autilized resource to a resource control administrator.

In some embodiments, polling management program 200 loops to step 202 ona real-time basis. In other embodiments, polling management program 200loops on a periodic basis. In one example, polling management program200 loops based on a period defined by one or more resource policies(e.g., every 30 minutes during first shift, every other hour duringthird shift). In another example, polling management program 200 loopsbased on the movement of users (e.g., building occupancy changes). In anembodiment, polling management program 200 loops to step 202 in responseto an indication from a resource control administrator. In an example, aresource control administrator utilizes polling management program 200to initiate a new utilized resource poll to determine whether anoverride adjustment to a utilized resource is sufficient for the users.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting operational steps for polling validationprogram 300, a program for communicating one or more utilized resourcepolls generated by polling management program 200 to a plurality ofusers. Polling validation program 300 also validates the responses ofthe responding users and communicates the valid responses of users topolling management program 200, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, polling validation program 300interfaces with users via a website (e.g., intranet, Internet).

In step 302, polling validation program 300 communicates a poll for autilized resource to the users of the utilized resource. In someembodiments, polling validation program 300 communicates a poll thatincludes voting schemes for two or more utilized resources to the usersof at least one utilized resource. For example, polling validationprogram 300 communicates a single poll that includes voting for multipleresources from polling management program 200 to all on-site users, asopposed to a poll that is customized for each user of a utilizedresource. Subsequent validation (referring to decision step 308) bypolling validation program 300 determines which votes associated with agiven user are valid for a utilized resource. In other embodiments,polling validation program 300 communicates a poll generated by pollingmanagement program 200 in response to a request by a quorum of users (instep 204) to the users of the utilized resource. In one scenario,polling validation program 300 communicates with the users within aspecific area (e.g., conference room, raised floor area, laboratory,etc.) that requested a utilized resource poll. In another scenario,polling validation program 300 communicates one or more polls generatedby polling management program 200 to users associated with the quorum ofusers that requested the poll. In another embodiment, polling validationprogram 300 communicates a URL that is associated with a utilizedresource poll to users of a utilized resource.

In step 304, polling validation program 300 receives responses to a pollfor a utilized resource from users of the utilized resource. In someembodiments, polling validation program 300 receives the responses fromindividual users of a utilized resource via the communication methodutilized by polling validation program 300 to communicate the poll. Inother embodiments, polling validation program 300 receives a responsefor a poll via a different communication method (e.g., a web interface,a website). In one example, polling validation program 300 sends theuser of user device 120C (e.g., a desktop computer) a poll via ane-mail. However, the user of user device 120C moves to a conference roomand does not have access to user device 120C. The user utilizes a webbrowser on a computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a shared terminal,etc.) in the conference room to vote on the poll.

In step 306, polling validation program 300 determines a location for auser that responds to a poll for a utilized resource. In an embodiment,polling validation program 300 utilizes network 110 to determine thelocation of a user that responds to a poll for a utilized resource. Inanother embodiment, polling validation program 300 utilizes one or moredatabases on server 102 to cross reference LAN port IDs, SSIDs, and MACaddresses utilized as an access point by a user device to determine thelocation of a user within an area, building, or building complex that isassociated with the utilized resource. In one embodiment, pollingvalidation program 300 determines the location of a user by the LAN portutilized by user devices 120A-N.

In another embodiment, polling validation program 300 utilizes anon-wired technology for determining the location of a user thatresponds to a utilized resource poll. In one scenario, pollingvalidation program 300 utilizes a wireless-based positioning system(WPS) to determine the location of a user. In an example, pollingvalidation program 300 may utilize a combination of a measured intensityof the received signal (received signal strength (RSS)) and the methodof “fingerprinting” (e.g., identifying) a wireless “hotspot” todetermine the location of a user. A fingerprint for a wireless hotspotor wireless access point may include a SSID and a MAC address of theaccess point. In another scenario, polling validation program 300determines the location of a user that utilizes a mobile computingdevice (e.g., a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, etc.)by geo-locating the mobile computing device (e.g., user device 120M). Inan example, polling validation program 300 may utilize the GPScoordinates of user device 120M to determine the location of the user ofuser device 120M when the user is not accessing a network connection“on-site.” In some instances, polling validation program 300 tracks thelocation of the user of a user device (e.g., user device 120K) in realtime by tracking the user device (e.g., user device 120K) utilized torespond to a poll.

In a further embodiment, polling validation program 300 utilizesdifferent technologies to locate a user as opposed to a computing device(e.g., user device 120K) of a user. In one example, a business mayinclude various security, limited access areas, and/or controlled accessareas. Polling validation program 300 may communicate with asecurity/access control system (not shown) to track the location of auser. In some scenarios, polling validation program 300 obtains userlocation data based on access points (e.g., badge readers). In otherscenarios, polling validation program 300 may obtain the location of auser in real time. In an example, the access badge of a user may includea security device, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip,which can communicate with a wireless network (e.g., network 110) withina building. In some instances, polling validation program 300 mayutilize a combination of methods to determine the location of a userwhen multiple user devices are associated with a user. In an example,polling validation program 300 determines that a user utilizes a laptopcomputer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone. Polling validationprogram 300 may determine the location of the user by which user deviceis active and moving and/or engaging in network activity.

In step 307, polling validation program 300 determines validationcriteria for a utilized resource poll. In one embodiment, pollingvalidation program 300 may determine a duration associated with autilized resource poll dictating when the responses of a user are valid.In one scenario, polling validation program 300 queries resource policydatabase 104 to determine a validation duration for a utilized resourcepoll. In one instance, polling validation program 300 determines thatthe validation duration is the same value for utilized resources thatare voted on within a poll. In some instances, polling validationprogram 300 determines that resource policy database 104 dictates amethod for determining the validation duration. In an example, resourcepolicy database 104 may dictate: a fixed validation duration, avalidation duration for the shortest duration among the utilizedresources within a poll, a validation duration for the maximum durationamong the utilized resources within a poll, or a validation durationthat is the average of the durations of the utilized resources within apoll. In another scenario, polling validation program 300 determinesthat polling management program 200 dictates the validation duration ofa utilized resource poll. In some scenarios, polling validation program300 determines that a validation duration is dictated by a resourcecontrol administrator. In other scenarios, polling validation program300 may receive an override command from a resource controladministrator modifying (e.g., shortening, extending) the validationduration.

Referring to step 307, polling validation program 300 may also determinewhether the responses of a user are valid based on the location of theuser. In one embodiment, polling validation program 300 queries resourcepolicy database 104 to determine whether the validation criteria for autilized resource includes one or more dictates based on the location ofa user. In one scenario, polling validation program 300 utilizes thelocation of a user at the point in time that the user responds (e.g.,votes) on a utilized resource poll. In one example, a user of userdevice 120C responds to a utilized resource poll from the office of theuser. Polling validation program 300 may determine from resource policydatabase 104 that a utilized resource (e.g., air conditioning) islocation dependent (e.g., a floor of a building, a HVAC zone). If theuser of user device 120C responds from user device 120C, then theresponse of the user is valid for the location containing user device120C.

In another example, polling validation program 300 may determine thatthe user responded via user device 1201 (e.g., a mobile phone), and userdevice 1201 is outside of the building (e.g., the user is driving towork). Polling validation program 300 determines that the responseoriginated at a location not included in a resource policy so theresponse of the user is invalid. In another scenario, polling validationprogram 300 tracks the location of a user to determine whether aresponse to a utilized resource poll is valid. In one instance, pollingvalidation program 300 may initially validate the response of a user;however, if the user leaves the area (e.g., at any time, for a durationof time) associated with a utilized resource poll, the votes of the userfor that poll are removed from subsequent analysis. In another instance,polling validation program 300 may transfer the votes (e.g., responses)to a utilized resource poll to another area when the user moves from onearea to the other area. In some instances, polling validation program300 may communicate, based on one or more resource policies, anotherutilized resource poll to a user when the user moves between areas.

In another embodiment, polling validation program 300 determines thatresource policy database 104 includes tiered or combination criteria fordetermining whether the responses of a user are validated. In oneexample, polling validation program 300 may determine that resourcepolicy database 104 dictates that certain users (e.g., contractors,manufacturing operators, etc.) are constrained as to which areas areaffected by the responses of the certain users to utilized resourcepolls. In another example, polling validation program 300 may determinethat a group of users working on a weekend may adjust (e.g., havevalidated votes) on a utilized resource (e.g., HVAC) for a zone (e.g., aconference room). If the group of users is distributed across multiplezones, polling validation program 300 may determine that the responses(e.g., votes) to a HVAC poll are invalid.

In decision step 308, polling validation program 300 determines whetherthe response from a user to a utilized resource poll is valid. In someembodiments, polling validation program 300 may determine whether onecriteria invalidates multiple user responses. In one example, pollingvalidation program 300 determines that a user did not respond to autilized resource poll within a specified duration. In another example,polling validation program 300 may determine that a user is not at work(e.g., in a building) based on location information determined in step306; therefore, the responses of the user are not valid. In otherembodiments, polling validation program 300 may determine that someresponses of a user to a utilized resource poll are valid. In anexample, polling validation program 300 may receive a utilized resourcepoll from polling management program 200 that includes voting for threeutilized resources (e.g., lighting, temperature and humidity (T&H)).Polling validation program 300 determines that the duration criteria forlighting is open ended and that T&H has a ten-minute voting duration;therefore, responses to a lighting vote are validated as the lightingresponses occur. However, polling validation program 300 invalidates T&Hresponses received after the ten-minute polling duration.

In decision step 308, responsive to a determination that a response froma user is valid (yes branch, decision step 308), polling validationprogram 300 communicates the valid response to polling managementprogram 200 (step 310).

In step 310, polling validation program 300 communicates a validresponse of a user for a utilized resource poll to polling managementprogram 200. In some embodiments, polling validation program 300communicates the valid responses of a user to polling management program200. On other embodiments, polling validation program 300 identifies thevalid responses from the invalid responses of a user when multipleresponses are included in a utilized resource poll associated withmultiple utilized resources.

In an embodiment, responsive to determining that a response from a useris not valid (no branch, decision step 308), polling validation program300 terminates. In another embodiment, responsive to determining that aresponse from a user is not valid (no branch, decision step 308),polling validation program 300 communicates that the response wasinvalid to polling management program 200. In an example, pollingmanagement program 200 may utilize the total number of users thatrespond to a poll to make a determination for a utilized resource asopposed to the total number of users that were sent the poll.

FIG. 4 depicts computer system 400, which is representative of server102, user devices 120A-N, and resource control system 130. Computersystem 400 is an example of a system that includes software and data412. Computer system 400 includes processor(s) 401, cache 403, memory402, persistent storage 405, communications unit 407, input/output (I/O)interface(s) 406, and communications fabric 404. Communications fabric404 provides communications between cache 403, memory 402, persistentstorage 405, communications unit 407, and input/output (I/O)interface(s) 406. Communications fabric 404 can be implemented with anyarchitecture designed for passing data and/or control informationbetween processors (such as microprocessors, communications and networkprocessors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any otherhardware components within a system. For example, communications fabric404 can be implemented with one or more buses or a crossbar switch.

Memory 402 and persistent storage 405 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 402 includes random access memory(RAM). In general, memory 402 can include any suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache 403 is a fast memorythat enhances the performance of processor(s) 401 by holding recentlyaccessed data, and data near recently accessed data, from memory 402.

Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of thepresent invention may be stored in persistent storage 405 and in memory402 for execution by one or more of the respective processor(s) 401 viacache 403. In an embodiment, persistent storage 405 includes a magnetichard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard diskdrive, persistent storage 405 can include a solid-state hard drive, asemiconductor storage device, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, or any othercomputer readable storage media that is capable of storing programinstructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage 405 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 405.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage405. Software and data 412 are stored in persistent storage 405 foraccess and/or execution by one or more of the respective processor(s)401 via cache 403 and one or more memories of memory 402. With respectto server 102, software and data 412 includes resource policy database104, polling management program 200, polling validation program 300, andvarious programs (not shown). With respect to user devices 120A-N,software and data 412 includes respective instances of user interface(UI) 122 and various programs (not shown). With respect to resourcecontrol system 130, software and data 412 includes various programs (notshown).

Communications unit 407, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices, including resources ofserver 102, user devices 120A-N, and resource control system 130. Inthese examples, communications unit 407 includes one or more networkinterface cards. Communications unit 407 may provide communicationsthrough the use of either or both physical and wireless communicationslinks. Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of thepresent invention may be downloaded to persistent storage 405 throughcommunications unit 407.

I/O interface(s) 406 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to each computer system. For example, I/Ointerface(s) 406 may provide a connection to external device(s) 408,such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitableinput device. External device(s) 408 can also include portable computerreadable storage media, such as, for example, thumb drives, portableoptical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data 412 usedto practice embodiments of the present invention can be stored on suchportable computer readable storage media and can be loaded ontopersistent storage 405 via I/O interface(s) 406. I/O interface(s) 406also connect to display 409.

Display 409 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor. Display 409 can also function as atouch screen, such as the display of a tablet computer or a smartphone.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing information of the computer readableprogram instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in orderto perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for adjusting a resource within an areautilizing voting by users, the method comprising: receiving, by one ormore computer processors, a request from one or more of users to adjusta resource; generating, by one or more computer processors, a votingpoll for the resource; communicating, by one or more computerprocessors, the generated voting poll to a plurality of users, whereinthe plurality of users includes the one or more users; identifying, byone or more computer processors, valid responses to the communicatedvoting poll based on a first policy related to the resource;determining, by one or more processors, a response to the voting poll,wherein the response is based at least in part on the first policyrelated to the resource and aggregated valid responses of the votingpoll; and applying, by one or more computer processors, the determinedresponse to the resource.
 2. The method of claim 1: wherein the one ormore users is sufficient to qualify as a quorum of users; and whereinthe quorum of users is based on at least one of: a policy associatedwith an area, a resource policy, a government regulation, a safetyregulation, and a business policy.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theresource includes defined parameters of at least one of: temperature,humidity, airflow, lighting, water temperature, and water pressure. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein identifying valid responses to thecommunicated voting poll further comprises: determining, by one or morecomputer processors, a location for a user in the plurality of users;determining, by one or more computer processors, whether the location ofthe user is within a location threshold to the resource based, at leastin part, on a second policy related to the resource; and responsive todetermining that the location of the user is within the locationthreshold of the second policy, identifying, by one or more computerprocessors, that a response provided by the user is a valid response. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein identifying valid responses to thecommunicated voting poll further comprises: determining, by one or morecomputer processors, whether a user in the plurality of users provided aresponse to the communicated voting poll within a defined time durationbased, at least in part, on a third policy related to the resource; andresponsive to determining that the user did provide a response to thecommunicated voting poll within the defined time duration, identifying,by one or more computer processors, that the response provided by theuser is a valid response.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein generatingthe voting poll for the resource further comprises: generating, by oneor more computer processors, the voting poll that includes at least oneof: one or more qualitative choices, one or more discrete choices, andone or more choices comprised of continuous ranges.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the response to the voting poll furthercomprises: determining, by one or more computer processors, anadjustment to the resource based on at least one of: a weighted averageof the aggregated valid responses, an average of the aggregated validresponses, a median value of the aggregated valid responses, a simplemajority of the aggregated valid responses, and a fractional majority ofthe aggregated valid responses.
 8. The method of claim 4, wherein thelocation of the user is determined based on a wireless-based positioningsystem (WPS), a measured intensity of the received signal, aradio-frequency identification (RFID) chip associated with the user,geo-locating information associated with a computing device utilized bythe user, and an indoor positioning system (IPS).
 9. A computer programproduct for adjusting a resource within an area utilizing voting byusers, the computer program product comprising: one or more computerreadable storage media and program instructions stored on the one ormore computer readable storage media, the program instructionscomprising: program instructions to receive a request from one or moreof users to adjust a resource; program instructions to generate a votingpoll for the resource; program instructions to communicate the generatedvoting poll to a plurality of users, wherein the plurality of usersincludes the one or more users; program instructions to identify validresponses to the communicated voting poll based on a first policyrelated to the resource; program instructions to determine a response tothe voting poll, wherein the response is based at least in part on thefirst policy related to the resource and aggregated valid responses ofthe voting poll; and program instructions to apply the determinedresponse to the resource.
 10. The computer program product of claim 9,wherein the resource includes defined parameters of at least one of:temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting, water temperature, and waterpressure.
 11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein programinstruction to identify valid responses to the communicated voting pollfurther comprises: program instructions to determine a location for auser in the plurality of users; program instructions to determinewhether the location of the user is within a location threshold to theresource based, at least in part, on a second policy related to theresource; and program instructions to respond to determining that thelocation of the user is within the location threshold of the secondpolicy by identifying that a response provided by the user is a validresponse.
 12. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein programinstructions to identify valid responses to the communicated voting pollfurther comprises: program instructions to determine whether a user inthe plurality of users provided a response to the communicated votingpoll within a defined time duration based, at least in part, on a thirdpolicy related to the resource; and program instructions to respond todetermining that the user did provide a response to the communicatedvoting poll within the defined time duration by identifying that theresponse provided by the user is a valid response.
 13. The computerprogram product of claim 9, wherein program instructions to determinethe response to the voting poll further comprises: program instructionsto determine an adjustment to the resource based on at least one of: aweighted average of the aggregated valid responses, an average of theaggregated valid responses, a median value of the aggregated validresponses, a simple majority of the aggregated valid responses, and afractional majority of the aggregated valid responses.
 14. The computerprogram product of claim 11, wherein the location of the user isdetermined based on a wireless-based positioning system (WPS), ameasured intensity of the received signal, a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) chip associated with the user, geo-locatinginformation associated with a computing device utilized by the user, andan indoor positioning system (IPS).
 15. A computer system for adjustinga resource within an area utilizing voting by users, the computer systemcomprising: one or more computer processors; one or more computerreadable storage media; program instructions stored on the computerreadable storage media for execution by at least one of the one or morecomputer processors, the program instructions comprising: programinstructions to receive a request from one or more of users to adjust aresource; program instructions to generate a voting poll for theresource; program instructions to communicate the generated voting pollto a plurality of users, wherein the plurality of users includes the oneor more users; program instructions to identify valid responses to thecommunicated voting poll based on a first policy related to theresource; program instructions to determine a response to the votingpoll, wherein the response is based at least in part on the first policyrelated to the resource and aggregated valid responses of the votingpoll; and program instructions to apply the determined response to theresource.
 16. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the resourceincludes defined parameters of at least one of: temperature, humidity,airflow, lighting, water temperature, and water pressure.
 17. Thecomputer program product of claim 15, wherein program instruction toidentify valid responses to the communicated voting poll furthercomprises: program instructions to determine a location for a user inthe plurality of users; program instructions to determine whether thelocation of the user is within a location threshold to the resourcebased, at least in part, on a second policy related to the resource; andprogram instructions to respond to determining that the location of theuser is within the location threshold of the second policy byidentifying that a response provided by the user is a valid response.18. The computer system of claim 15, wherein program instructions toidentify valid responses to the communicated voting poll furthercomprises: program instructions to determine whether a user in theplurality of users provided a response to the communicated voting pollwithin a defined time duration based, at least in part, a third policyrelated to the resource; and program instructions to respond todetermining that the user did provide a response to the communicatedvoting poll within the defined time duration by identifying that theresponse provided by the user is a valid response.
 19. The computersystem of claim 15, wherein program instructions to determine theresponse to the voting poll further comprises: program instructions todetermine an adjustment to the resource based on at least one of: aweighted average of the aggregated valid responses, an average of theaggregated valid responses, a median value of the aggregated validresponses, a simple majority of the aggregated valid responses, and afractional majority of the aggregated valid responses.
 20. The computersystem of claim 17, wherein the location of the user is determined basedon a wireless-based positioning system (WPS), a measured intensity ofthe received signal, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chipassociated with the user, geo-locating information associated with acomputing device utilized by the user, and an indoor positioning system(IPS).